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Interesting current events from around the world. Let me know if you find anything you want to share!
The world's only immortal animal
By Bryan Nelson, Mother Nature Network Posted Tue Mar 16, 2010 9:57am PDT(Photo: Peter Schuchert)
The turritopsis nutricula species of jellyfish may be the only animal in the world to have truly discovered the fountain of youth.
Since it is capable of cycling from a mature adult stage to an immature polyp stage and back again, there may be no natural limit to its life span. Scientists say the hydrozoan jellyfish is the only known animal that can repeatedly turn back the hands of time and revert to its polyp state (its first stage of life).
The key lies in a process called transdifferentiation, where one type of cell is transformed into another type of cell. Some animals can undergo limited transdifferentiation and regenerate organs, such as salamanders, which can regrow limbs. Turritopsi nutricula, on the other hand, can regenerate its entire body over and over again. Researchers are studying the jellyfish to discover how it is able to reverse its aging process.
Because they are able to bypass death, the number of individuals is spiking. They're now found in oceans around the globe rather than just in their native Caribbean waters. "We are looking at a worldwide silent invasion," says Dr. Maria Miglietta of the Smithsonian Tropical Marine Institute.
Bryan Nelson is a regular contributor to Mother Nature Network, where a version of this post originally appeared.
(2/11/10) Medical Mystery Solved: Stuttering!!!
http://www.cnn.com/2010/HEALTH/02/10/stuttering.genes.cell/index.html?hpt=Mid(2/11/10) 20 year anniversary of Mandela release: http://www.cnn.com/2010/OPINION/02/10/stremlau.mandela/index.html?hpt=C1
Inspired by Mandela's 'stubborn sense of fairness'
By John Stremlau, Special to CNNFebruary 11, 2010 1:07 p.m. ESTSTORY HIGHLIGHTS
Atlanta, Georgia (CNN) -- Freedom lovers everywhere over a certain age recall the thrilling news 20 years ago today that Nelson Mandela had been released from a Cape Town, South Africa, jail.
After 27 years of isolation and hard labor, the world's most famous political prisoner emerged without bitterness, his humanity intact. When asked what he most missed while in prison, Mandela replied that it was hearing the sounds of children laughing.
Now 92 and frail, Mandela has declined to participate in this week's many celebrations in his honor except one: the opening of Parliament and the address to the nation by South African President Jacob Zuma.
Gallery: Nelson Mandela: 20 years of freedom
Editor's note: John Stremlau is vice president of peace programs at The Carter Center in Atlanta, Georgia. The center, founded by former President Jimmy Carter, is committed to advancing human rights and alleviating unnecessary human suffering. Stremlau has lived and taught in South Africa.
(2/09/10) Ancient tribe becomes extinct as last member dies
http://www.cnn.com/2010/WORLD/asiapcf/02/05/india.extinct.tribe/index.html(01/26/10) Big Day in India!
January 26th, 2010 marked the 60th anniversary of India's adoption of the Constitution of India, and the 80th anniversary of its original 1930 Declaration of Independence from British rule. The annual holiday is celebrated as Republic Day, with a grand parade held in the capital, New Delhi, and many other celebrations across the diverse nation. Collected here are a number of photographs from the Republic Day celebrations and many more colorful glimpses of daily life from all around India. Click the link below to see some amazing pictures of this great event!http://www.boston.com/bigpicture/2010/02/colorful_india.html
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